Patient support with improved control

ABSTRACT

A patient support includes a frame, a patient support surface supported at the frame, a display incorporated into the frame, and a user interface incorporated into the frame. The patient support frame includes a controller incorporated into the frame, which has a plurality of prompts stored therein. The user interface is in communication with the controller and may be used to select a selected prompt from the plurality of prompts stored in the controller. When a prompt is selected, the controller generates a display image or text associated with the selected prompt at the display in response to a passage of time or an input to provide a visual prompt to the user.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority as a continuation-in-part application from U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 11/642,047; 11/612,361; 11/612,405; and 11/612,428, which claim priority from provisional application Ser. No. 60/751,770 filed Dec. 19, 2005 and U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/874,287 filed Dec. 11, 2066 (P-102), all entitled HOSPITAL BED, which are incorporated in reference herein their entities.

TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to the field of patient supports, such as hospital beds. In particular, the invention relates to an improved control system that provides enhanced control of the patient support and accessories mounted at the patient support and, further, provides enhanced information related to the patient support and the patient and, further, allows for improved monitoring of the patient.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention provides a patient support that incorporates a controller that provides enhanced control over and/or information relative to one or more of the patient support functions and, further, over information relating to the patient.

In one form of the invention, a patient support includes a patient support surface, a user interface, and a controller. The controller has stored therein a plurality of prompts. The user interface is in communication with the controller and is configured to select one or more of the prompts from the prompts stored in the controller. Further, the user may generate or create a prompt to be stored in the controller. For example, the user may input or upload into the controller a prompt stored on a network or from a storage device, such as a memory stick or data card.

When a prompt is selected, the controller generates an output prompt associated with the selected prompt at the patient support in response to a passage of time or in response to an input to provide a prompt to the user. The prompts may include, for example, protocol reminders, such as to turn or rotate the patient, to weigh the patient, to check the patient's blood sugar, blood pressure, heart rate, and other vital signs, to apply DVT prophylaxis, percussion, or vibration, to check wounds, to administer oral care to the patient, to wash the patient, and to check the patient's position on the bed, to name a few. Alternately, the prompts may relate to conditions that the user selects to be informed about—for example, when the bed is wet, the patient is inactive for a selected period of time.

In one aspect, the patient support further includes a display, and the output prompt comprises a display image or text at the display. Alternately, the output may comprise an audible output.

In another aspect, the user interface includes a first user interface associated with one of the prompts and a second user interface associated with another of the prompts.

In one aspect, the display comprises a touch screen. For example, the user interface may comprise at least one touch sensitive area of the touch screen wherein the touch screen forms the user interface.

In a further aspect, the touch screen includes a plurality of sensitive areas, with the sensitive areas forming a menu for the protocols.

According to another aspect, the patient support further includes a frame that supports the patient support surface and a footboard, with the display mounted at the footboard. Further, the controller may be mounted at the footboard. In addition, the controller and the display may be a combined unit.

In yet another aspect, the patient support further comprises a second user interface, with the second user interface for selecting an alarm setting that is stored in the computer for the selected prompt. For example, the second user interface may select a time or passage of time for the selected prompt for the alarm to be triggered. When the alarm setting is selected, the controller actuates the alarm in response to the time or passage of time input for the selected prompt.

In a further aspect, the touch screen displays a first screen image and a second screen image. The first screen image displays the first user interface, and the second screen displays the second user interface. The second screen image includes a plurality of user interfaces in the form of touch sensitive areas that provide a menu of options relative to the alarm setting.

According to yet other aspects, the controller may be configured for storing and collecting data, for example, related to a protocol. Additionally, the controller may have stored therein data related to a protocol, for example, in the form of a look-up table. Further, the controller is adapted to compare collected protocol data to the stored data to verify conformance. For example, the controller may compare patient support surface movement collected by the controller to the stored data for patient support surface movement.

Other features may include the controller generating a report based on the collected data and/or the controller communicating with a remote user to allow remote monitoring of the protocols. For example, the controller may create a report on the use of a particular protocol. The controller may be in communication with a network that allows: a remote user to review the reports; generate a separate report based on the report or reports generated by the controller or based on parameters selected by the network user; view the selected protocols for a given patient support; select other protocols from the available protocols stored in the controller; and/or input a protocol to the controller, as noted above, based on input from the network user.

In another form of the invention, a patient support includes a patient support surface, a plurality of sensors associated with the patient support for sensing at least two conditions at the patient support, a patient support-based controller in communication with the sensors, which is mounted at the patient support, and a display mounted at the patient support. The controller is in communication with the display, and a user interface is also provided, which is operable to select one of the conditions. When a condition is selected, the controller monitors the selected condition and generates a display at the display when the selected condition occurs.

In one aspect, the display comprises a touch screen. Further, the controller generates and displays a screen image at the touch screen. The screen image optionally includes a region forming the user interface.

In a further aspect, the screen image includes a plurality of regions forming a menu for selecting the conditions.

In another aspect, the patient support further comprises a second user interface, which is used for selecting an alarm setting, which is stored in the computer, for the selected condition. When the alarm setting is selected, the controller actuates the alarm when the selected condition occurs.

In another aspect, the controller generates a second screen image at the touch screen, which has a plurality of regions. The regions of the second screen image provide a menu of options relative to the alarm setting.

According to another aspect, at least some of the sensors are load cells, which are in communication with the controller. The controller may use the signals from the load cells to determine whether the bed is occupied or not, including when a patient is exiting a bed, or to determine the weight of the patient. When the controller detects that a patient is exiting a bed, the controller may actuate an alarm. The alarms setting may be selected based on a pressure trigger and an elapsed time. Further, the alarm may be trigger by movement or lack of movement. For example, the load cells may be used to calculate the center of gravity of the patient and the controller then may monitor the center of gravity and when it is detected that the center of gravity has not moved over a pre-selected period of time, the controller may trigger the alarm.

Alternately, pressure sensors may be provided at the patient support surface, for example, in a mat that is placed over the patient support surface, such as the mattress, or may be located in the patient support surface. The pressure sensors may also be used to generate a pressure map of the pressure readings taken by the sensors at the patient surface. Knowing the pressure points on the patient support surface may enable the healthcare worker to know whether a particular part of the patient's body is vulnerable to forming sores and needs to be moved. When a high pressure point is detected, the patient's position may be adjusted by the care giver. Further, an alarm may be triggered when a high pressure point is detected. For example, the controller may monitor the pressure points and when it is detected that the pressure points have exceeded a pre-selected value and, optionally, for a pre-selected period of time, the controller may trigger the alarm.

Further, load cells or pressure sensors may be used to monitor the vital signs of a patient on the support. For example, the sensors may include temperature sensors for monitoring the temperature of the patient. Alternately, the patient support may incorporate a separate vital signs monitoring device, such as is available from Phillips, which is communication with the bed network and controller. The controller then may display the vital signs data collected either by the controller from the bed-based sensors or from the separate vital signs monitoring device. Vital signs that can be monitored include temperature (as noted), ECG, SpO2, blood pressure, or the like.

In another aspect, the patient support further includes a side rail. The sensors may include at least one side rail sensor for detecting whether the side rail is lowered or not. The controller uses the signals from the side rail sensor to determine whether the side rail is lowered or not.

Further, the patient support may include a brake, wherein the sensors include a brake sensor for detecting whether a brake is on or off, and with the controller using a signal from the brake sensor to determine whether the brake is on or off.

In yet another form of the invention, a patient support includes a patient support surface, a device associated with the patient support for sensing or controlling a parameter at the patient support, a patient support-based controller which is mounted in the patient support, and a display mounted at the patient support. The controller is in communication with the device and the display. A user interface is provided that is in communication with the controller, which is operable to select the parameter for display at the display. When selected, the controller monitors the device and generates a display at the display associated with the parameter.

In one aspect, the display comprises a touch screen. Further, the controller generates a screen image at the touch screen, which may include a region that forms the user interface.

In a further aspect, the screen image may include a text window for displaying the parameter.

In another aspect, the device comprises a plurality of pressure sensors, for example load cells, that are in communication with the controller and which can be used to determine the weight of the patient, the vital signs of the patient, whether the patient has high pressure points, and/or if the patient has exited the bed.

In another aspect, the device comprises an angle sensor for detecting the angle of the patient support surface.

In yet another aspect, the patient support surface includes a mattress, such as a mattress that includes a plurality of, bladders, and the device comprises a controller, for example, a mattress-based controller, which may control one or more functions of the mattress, for example, the mattress firmness or treatment provided by the mattress, including for example, percussion, vibration or patient turning.

According to another form of the invention, a patient support includes a patient support surface, a frame, which supports the patient support surface, at least one actuator for adjusting the patient support surface or the frame, and a patient support-based controller. The controller is in communication with the actuator and operable to send drive signals to the actuator and, further, is mounted at the patient support. A display is also mounted at the patient support, which is in communication with the controller. A user interface is provided that is in communication with the controller and which is operable to send an input signal to the controller. The controller communicates a drive signal to the actuator in response to the input and indicates a parameter at the display of the patient support surface or the frame associated with driving the actuator. For example, when driving an elevation mechanism actuator, the parameter may comprise the height of the patient support surface. When driving an actuator that changes the configuration of the patient support surface, the parameter may comprise the angle of the patient support surface or the angle of one section of the support surface.

In one aspect, the actuator adjusts the firmness of the patient support surface. In this case, the parameter may be the amount of firmness.

In another aspect, the actuator generates vibration at the patient support surface. For example, the vibration can be used as therapy for the patient.

In yet another aspect, the actuator adjusts the angle the patient support surface. For example, the frame optionally includes a deck frame, with the deck frame having a plurality of deck sections that support the patient support surface, with the actuator adjusting the angle of at least one deck section to thereby adjust the angle of the patient support surface.

According to yet another aspect, the actuator may adjust the elevation of the frame.

In other aspects, the display comprises a touch screen. The user interface comprises at least one sensitive area of the touch screen wherein the touch screen forms the user interface.

The display may, for example, be mounted in a footboard of the patient support.

According to another form of the invention, a patient support includes a patient support surface, a controller, and a display mounted at the patient support. The controller is in communication with the display, which includes at least one user interface operable to input an input signal into the controller.

In one aspect, the controller translates or converts the input signal into an output signal having a different format from the input signal. For example, the controller may generate an image at the display, which may display text or a numerical value at the display responsive to the output signal from the controller.

In another aspect, the output comprises an audible output, for example through a microphone at the patient support. For example, when different format comprises a different language, the output may in the form of a spoken translation or a translated text message at the display.

For example, the controller may display a plurality of selected phrases, with the user interface operable to select one of the phrases as input to the controller. Thereafter, the controller generates an output which is a translation of the phrase. In addition, the controller may have stored therein the phrase(s) in multiple languages and further allows the user to select the language. Additional features may include a collection of words and phrases so that the user may select words and/or phrase to construct a sentence, which is then translated by the controller into the language selected by the user. These constructed sentences may then be stored for later use. Examples of suitable phrases may relate to patient movement or to safety issues.

In a further aspect, the controller may be coupled to a voice recorder and player, for example an MP3 player. In this manner, a user may record a phrase or phrases at the patient support using the controller for later use. In addition, the controller may select a phrase to be played in response to a condition on the patient support. For example, the controller may be program to play the phrase “stay in the bed” or the like in response to the load cells generating signals indicative of an undesired impending bed exit by the patient.

Further, these phrases may be stored in a foreign language. For example, a user may select the output language, including for displayed text for the patient or phrases that are played at the bed.

In another aspect, the different format comprises a different scale. For example, the controller may include stored therein a formula or a look-up table for converting the input into the output.

In yet another aspect, the user interface is operable to input bed usage information to the controller. For example, the user interface may be configured to: input a room assignment for the bed; patient related data; and/or nurse related information. The user interface may comprise a keyboard, including a keyboard on a touch screen so that the user may key in the information. Further, this information may be displayed, for example, at a display at the bed (for example at the footboard display) or at a display remote from the bed, for example at a nurses' station.

Alternately, or in addition, the patient support may include a voice recognition system, which is in communication with the controller and may be used to input data or commands into the controller. For example, a user may speak into the voice recognition software microphone and state, for example, bed usage information, which is then converted into input data for the controller by the voice recognition system software. Further, functions on the bed may be triggered by input generated by the voice recognition system. For example, a user may state a command relative to a function on the bed, for example to raise the head end of the bed, which command is then converted by the voice recognition software into an input command signal, which when received by the controller will generate an actuation signal associated with the function of the command, for example a drive signal to the head end actuator. The user may be a health care provider or the patient.

According to yet another form of the invention, a patient support includes a patient support surface, a patient support-based controller mounted in the patient support, and a display mounted at the patient support. The controller has stored therein a plurality of options and parameters associated with the option. The controller is in communication with the display for displaying the options at the display. A user interface is provided that is in communication with the controller and operable to select one of the options and, further, operable to select a parameter from the stored parameters associated with a selected option for display at the display.

In one aspect, the options include an accessory control. For example, the patient accessory control may comprise a light or a television control. For the light, the parameter may comprise brightness. For the television control, the parameter may comprise a pre-selected configuration.

In another aspect, the options include a data listing. For example, the data listing may include a data listing of bed or patient parameters, including a bed height or angle history or a patient's weight history. The parameters may also include the time and date of when the data was collected.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a patient support with improved control and information relating to the patient support and/or the patient.

These and other objects, advantages, purposes, and features of the invention will become more apparent from the study of the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the patient support of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front elevation of a patient control panel of the control module of present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the patient support of FIG. 1 with the headboard, footboard and side rails removed for clarity;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the deck assembly of the patient support FIG. 3 with the deck cover removed to illustrate the controller;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the patient support electrical architecture;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the base and load frame of patient support of FIG. 1 with the deck and headboard, footboard, and side rails removed for clarity;

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the head and seat portions of the deck support;

FIG. 8 is another perspective view of head and foot portions of the deck support;

FIG. 9 is the bottom view of the actuation of the head portion of the deck support;

FIG. 10 is a large perspective view of the foot board of the patient support apparatus in FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a similar view to FIG. 10 illustrating the control panel in a tilted position;

FIG. 12 is another perspective view of the patient support of the present invention with the mattress removed for clarity illustrating the side rails in a raised position;

FIG. 13 is another perspective view of the patient support illustrating the deck articulated to provide a sitting position for the patient;

FIG. 14 is a similar view to FIG. 13 illustrating the deck in an articulated position with one of the side rails lowered;

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the base frame and braking system;

FIGS. 16-49 illustrate various screen images provided by the controller at the display;

FIG. 50 illustrates a flowchart of additional features that may be provided by the control system of the present invention;

FIG. 51 is a flowchart illustrating a further refinement of a protocol reminder menu or module;

FIG. 52 is a flowchart illustrating the features of an optional translation module;

FIG. 53 is a flowchart illustrating a bed usage information module that may be used by the control system of the present invention; and

FIG. 54 illustrates a flowchart of patient conditions that may be monitored by the control system of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1, the numeral 10 generally designates a patient support of the present invention. As will be more fully described below, patient support 10 incorporates a control system with one or more controllers that enhance the ability of the user, such as a medical care provider, to control various functions on patient support 10 and, further, to input information, data, or settings into the control system to enhance the care of the patient. For the purpose of this description, patient support 10 will be described hereinafter as a bed 10; however it should be noted that the concepts of present invention may be incorporated into other patient supports, including stretchers, cots, or the like.

Bed 10 includes a base 12 and a patient support surface 14, which is supported by base 12. Patient support surface 14 is mounted to base 12 for vertical movement relative to base 12 and is raised and lowered relative to base 12 by an elevation mechanism 16 (FIG. 6), which incorporates a pair of actuators 18 and 20 (FIGS. 3 and 6), more fully described in the above-referenced applications, namely, U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 11/642,047; 11/612,361; 11/612,405; and 11/612,428, all entitled HOSPITAL BED and commonly assigned to Stryker Corporation of Kalamazoo, Mich. In addition to actuators 18 and 20, bed 10 includes actuators 24, 26, and 28 (FIGS. 7-9) to adjust the orientation of the patient support surface 14 and an actuator 29 (FIG. 15) to actuate brakes at the bed casters. For further details of the operation of the various actuators reference is made to the above incorporated patent applications.

Referring again to FIG. 1, patient support surface 14 includes a mattress 15 and a deck frame assembly 22 (FIG. 3) with a head deck section 22 a, a seat deck section 22 b, and a foot deck section 22 c, each of which can be adjusted to a different orientation by actuators 24, 26, and 28 to adjust the angular position of the mattress, also described in the pending applications. Mattress 15 may comprise a conventional mattress, include a foam mattress, or a mattress that incorporates one or more bladders that can be inflated by an actuator, such as a pump, to turn the patient or can be inflated and deflated to adjust the firmness of the mattress or to induce vibration for percussion treatment or the like. Further the mattress 15 may incorporate a mattress-based controller 15 a (FIG. 5) in the mattress, for example a PCB board with a microprocessor and associated circuitry, for powering the various devices in the mattress, which actuates the pump and valves to inflate or deflate the bladders to control various parameters at the surface. For example, mattress-based controller 15 a may be used to adjust the stiffness of the mattress and/or provide treatment at the mattress, for example, by using the inflation or deflation of the bladders to provide percussion, vibration, or turning of the patient. As described in the referenced patent applications, mattress-based controller 15 a may be coupled to a pendent type display, which provides one or more user actuatable devices, such as buttons, touch screen areas, including a menu, or the like to allow a user to input command signals to the mattress-based controller to control the pump and valves and hence the flow of fluid in and out of the bladders. Further, the display may display an icon or image associated with the parameter being controlled by the mattress-based controller. Alternately, the mattress-based controller may be coupled directly to the bed-based controller described more fully below in lieu of the pendent display so that the functions or status of the mattress, as well as of the bed, may be displayed and controlled from one location at the bed. With this arrangement, the mattress may include a connector, which is electrically coupled to for example to the PCB, for coupling the bed-based controller to the mattress-based controller, which allows power and signals to be transferred to the mattress-based controller through the connector. For example, the connector may be located at the side of the mattress as shown in one or more of the referenced applications or at the foot end of the mattress.

Alternately, the bed-based controller may be incorporated into the mattress. For example, the controller may be incorporated into the pump enclosure provided in the mattress (similar to the mattress-based controller) or into another enclosure incorporated into the mattress. As described in the referenced applications, the enclosure may be located at the foot end of the mattress, for example, in a recess provided in the mattress. In this application, the bed and mattress could be provided with one or more connectors for electrically coupling the various devices on the bed to the controller through the connector or connectors. A suitable connector may include a combined power and signal connector, which includes cabling for power and cabling for signals, or may include separate power connectors and signal connectors. For example, the bed connector may be provided in the footboard or headboard, with the corresponding connector in the mattress provided at the foot end or head end of the mattress. In this manner, the mattress may be plugged in the bed (or vice versa)

Further, the footboard may be configured to accommodate the pump enclosure and/or controller enclosure, which as noted may be located at the foot end of the mattress. For example, the footboard may include a recess to accommodate the pump enclosure and/or controller enclosure. Alternately, the footboard may be configured to receive the pump enclosure and/or controller enclosure, with connections provided at the mattress for coupling the pump and valves in the pump enclosure to the bladders in the mattress.

For examples of suitable mattresses, bladders, and mattress-based controls reference is made herein to U.S. Provisional application entitled, A PATIENT LYING SURFACE WITH TURN-ASSIST, Ser. No. 60/866,206, filed Nov. 16, 2006; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/260,452, filed Oct. 27, 2005 entitled PATIENT SUPPORT APPARATUS; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/381,631, filed May 4, 2006 entitled VIBRATING PATIENT SUPPORT APPARATUS WITH A RESONANT REFERENCING PERCUSSION DEVICE; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/381,669, filed May 4, 2006, entitled VIBRATING PATIENT SUPPORT APPARATUS WITH A SPRING LOADED PERCUSSION DEVICE, and U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,179,742; 5,542,136; 5,325,551; 6,699,266, all commonly assigned to Stryker Corporation of Kalamazoo, Mich., which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

As noted above, bed 10 incorporates a control system with at least one controller 25 (FIGS. 4 and 5), which provides control of the various actuators on bed 10 and, further, senses the status of various bed parameters or conditions at the bed using sensors (e.g. load cells, tilt sensors, etc.) also described in the referenced applications. Additionally, as noted above, controller 25 may communicate with other devices at the bed, for example, a mattress-based controller (e.g. controller 15 a) to provide and/or receive input to and/or from the mattress-based controller to control the functions of the mattress and/or to display information relative to the mattress, as will be more fully described below.

The sensors may include load sensors, side rail sensors, brake sensors, temperature sensors, moisture sensors, pressure sensors, or the like. Controller 25 may be in communication with other devices on or near the bed, for example, accessories, such as lights, a TV, speakers mounted in the bed, microphones, recording/playing devices, such as an MP3 player, or a universal serial bus (USB) device, or the like. Further, as will be more fully described below, bed 10 includes a control module 30 that allows a user, such as a healthcare worker, to input information, parameters and/or data into controller 25 and, further, to select various bed functions and protocols, which may be stored in controller 25 and then displayed at display 38 of module 30. Additionally, a USB device may be used to input information or upload data to the controller, including additional modules or the like. As would be understood, the USB device may also be used to download information from the controller.

Controller 25 is a bed-based controller and includes at least one central processor, software or programmable logic, and one or more storage or memory devices, as well as other accessories noted above. Further, controller 25 may be coupled to a USB port to allow data to be transferred to of from the controller through a memory device, as a memory stick or card, as noted above. In addition to providing the necessary algorithms to control and/or monitor functions and conditions at bed 10, including controlling the actuators and accessories at or near the bed, the software provides a graphic user interface (GUI) to organize to a multitude of functions at the bed as well as at control module 30. The GUI is configured to generate a variety of screen images at display 38, including symbols, such as icons, text, and/or numerical values, and/or text windows, in a number of different arrangements for each of the functions at the bed, including the bed status and configuration as well as to the patient status and, further, may be reconfigurable so that the screen images at display 38 may be customized and reconfigured as the user selects, all more fully described below.

Alternately, display 38 may be controlled and configured by a controller 26, which is a control module-based controller or a controller that is part of the display, which similarly includes a central processor and software and optionally one or more storage or memory devices depending on the number and complexity of functions to be controlled by the controller. Again, controller 26 may be coupled to a USB port to allow data to be transferred to or from controller 26, using for example, a memory device, such as a memory stick or memory card. Further, control module 30 may be configured to accept “plug-in” modules, which have their own processors and storage devices and which add additional features or functions to the controller. For example, a “plug-in” module may be used to expand the number of protocols, the number of phrases for translation, the number of languages into which the phrases can be translated, etc., described more fully below. Again, the software in the controller provides a GUI to organize the functions at display 38 and to generate screen images with various symbols and/or text windows and to allow the user to interface with the module based or display based controller 26.

As best seen in FIGS. 1, 2, and 10-12, control module 30 includes a control panel 30 a and is mounted in the footboard 32 of bed 10. Control module 30 includes a housing 34 that is mounted for pivotable movement in footboard 32 and, further, in a manner so that the control module may be removed from the bed, as described in the reference applications. While references are made to the pending application for additional details, it should be understood that the present invention may be incorporated into other patient supports, and the references to the applications are for examples only.

Control panel 30 a also includes a plurality of user interfaces 36 and a display 38, such as a touch screen display 38 a. User interfaces 36, which are in communication with the controller (25 or module- or display-based controller), allow the user to select which prompts, conditions, features/accessories, or information that the user wishes to set, manage/monitor, control or review. As used herein, the term “prompt” is used broadly to mean any icon or text or indicator, including an audible indicator, that reminds the user of, for example, a protocol or a condition at the bed or a condition of a patient. Further as would be understood by those skilled in the art, the controller has stored therein a specified function associated with each user interface so that when a user interface is selected, the user interface will generate a signal to the controller, which will be identified by the controller and initiate processing on behalf of the controller associated with that function. For example, as will be more fully described below, some functions associated with the user interfaces are actuating functions, e.g. driving an actuator on the bed to raise or lower the bed or a section of the bed; others relate to storing and monitoring of parameters at the bed, e.g. the storing of patient weight or movement or other patient parameters or bed parameters, such as the bed angle or bed height, which are detected by sensors at the bed and which are monitored by the controller either continuously or when prompted by the user.

Further, user interfaces may be configured as a keyboard (including a touch screen keyboard) to enter information, for example, patient information, including bed assignment and room assignment information, the nurse assignment information, treatment protocols, if not already stored on the controller, and any other suitable information into the controller that could assist in the care and handling of the patient. Further, control panel 30 a may incorporate one or more operational functions, including a translator, calculator, or conversion function.

In illustrated embodiment, user interfaces 36 comprise keypad-like buttons, which may be actuated by simply pressing the button; though, it should be understood that user interfaces 36 may comprise other user interfaces, such as areas on touch screen 38 a or another touch screen provided at control panel 30 a. Though reference is made to “touch” screen it should be understood that this use of “touch screen” covers screens that are sensitive to pressure or changes in magnetic field, capacitance, optical interference, or resistance. Further, the user interface may comprise a voice recognition system, including a microphone and voice recognition software, which may be stored in the controller.

When configured as a keypad (or touch screen area) optionally each user interface 36 includes an icon or text associated therewith to represent the prompt, condition, feature, or function that the user interface is associated. For example, with reference to FIG. 2 user interface 36 a includes an “i” to designate the iBed™ functions of bed 10 available from Stryker Corporation of Kalamazoo, Mich. User interface 36 b includes an icon in the form of a graphical representation of the patient support surface. User interface 36 c includes text, namely, “Bed Controls” to indicate the type of bed control function associate with the user interface. User interface 36 d includes an icon in the form of a lock to indicate a locking function. User interface 36 e includes an icon in the form of a scale to indicate a weighing or scale function. User interface 36 f includes text, namely, “Bed Exit”, to indicate a bed exit function. User interface 36 g includes text, namely, “Options”, to indicate other features/accessories and functions that are associated with the user interface, including setting the time, controlling the settings, such as for a TV or light, changing the language that is displayed by the display or displays at the patient support, reviewing the bed or patient history, and maintenance functions, all more fully described below.

In addition, control panel 30 a includes a second set of user interfaces 40. In the illustrated embodiment, user interfaces 40 comprise buttons 40 a, 40 b, 40 c, and 40 d, all of which provide input into controller 25 (or the module or display based controller, again, more fully describe below), which in turn processes the input. For example, the controller may, in response to the input from a button 40 a, generate drive signals for one or more of the actuators on the bed to configure the bed into a commonly used configuration such as an HOB 30° orientation. In the illustrated embodiment, when button 40 b is selected, the controller may generate drive signals to one or more actuators to configure the bed in another commonly used configuration, such as a vascular position configuration. When button 40 c is pushed, the controller may generate drive signals to actuate, for example, the brake on the bed. Similarly, when button 40 e is pressed, the controller may generate signals to deactivate the brake. Button 40 d triggers the controller to generate drive signals to drive, for example a fifth wheel on the bed (see reference application for a description of a suitable bed driver).

Further control panel 30 a includes a plurality of indicators 42, such as LED lights or the like, which indicate the status of various features at the bed. The indicators may, as a part of the bed indication system, indicate whether the bed is in a desired or undesired configuration, i.e. when one or more of the monitored conditions are either in an undesirable state or a desired state.

For example, the indicators may indicate the bed exit status (such as whether the bed exit system is enabled) or a bed status, such as when a side rail is down, the brake is not set, the on-board battery is low, to call maintenance, and a lock out status. When used to define whether a monitored condition is in a desired state, indicators 42 may comprise a green light to indicate the condition is in a desired configuration for that function. Where the condition is not in a desired state, an amber or red indicator light may be used. In addition to the indicator lights, an additional indicator may be provided, such as an audible alarm or warning, or the like, whether locally mounted on the bed or mounted off the bed, for example in the room. As will be more fully described below, text displayed on touch screen 38 a may also provide additional information as to the condition (or conditions of the bed) when the condition (or conditions are) indicated to be not in their desired state.

As previously mentioned, the controller is in communication with both the user interfaces and the display and, further, generates a display at the touch screen 38 a in response to actuation of a user interface. For example, when a user interface 36 is actuated, the controller generates a screen image at touch screen 38 a that is associated with the particular user interface that is selected. As noted above, the controller may comprise a computer that has display 38 as part of the computer.

When any one of the user interfaces 36 is selected and actuated, by, for example, being touched, a display screen image associated with the user interface that is selected will be generated by the graphic user interface of the controller. Referring to FIGS. 16, 28, and 40, each user interface includes one or more screen images to provide enhanced functionality and care of the patient. Further, the screen images provide menus and in some cases windows for text and/or icons, which may provide a graphical representation of the function being selected.

iBed Functions

Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, when the iBed user interface 36 a is selected, screen image 50 will be generated by the controller and displayed at touch screen 38 a. Screen image 50 provides a menu and includes a plurality of additional user interfaces in the form of touch sensitive areas of the screen image that generate and send signals to the controller to generate further screen images for further options and selections.

As best seen in FIG. 18, screen image 50 includes a touch screen area 50 a for selecting options relative to the bed position, a touch screen area 50 b for selecting protocol prompts or reminders, a touch screen area 50 c for selecting a calculator function, a touch screen area 50 d for selecting a conversion function, and a touch screen area 50 e for selecting a translation function. It should be understood that when reference is made to a user interface being actuated by a user, such as by applying pressure to the user interface, the user interface generates a signal to the controller, which in turn generates a signal responsive to the user interface function. For example, where the user interface is associated with a bed position, the controller will generate a drive signal to the respective actuator.

When touch screen area 50 a is selected by a user, a bed position screen image 52 is generated the controller and displayed at display 38, which is best seen in FIG. 19. Bed position screen image 52 also includes a menu in the form of a plurality of touch screen areas 52 a associated with a bed position condition, including, for example, right head side rail up, right foot side rail up, brake on, bed at low height, bed exit activated, left head side rail up, left foot side rail up, fowler angle superior to 30 degrees, bed supine, and vascular position. When a touch screen area 52 a is selected by the user, an icon will appear in a window 52 b indicating that the particular bed position condition associated with the screen area 52 a has been selected.

Further, screen image 52 includes a touch screen area 52 c which when selected allows the user to indicate to the controller when a selected bed position condition is to be monitored. Touch screen area 52 d allows a user to deselect all the bed position conditions from being monitored. Further, touch screen area 52 e allows a user to select an alarm, for example an audible alarm, to be activated when a bed position condition that is monitored by the controller occurs.

When touch screen area 52 e is actuated, another screen image 53 is generated by the controller and displayed at display 30, which allows the user to select whether or not the audible alarm will be actuated by the controller and further to select the volume of the alarm. For example, screen image 53 includes a plurality of touch screen areas to generate signals to the controller, which in turn generates control signals relative to the alarm. For the illustrated embodiment, touch screen 53 includes a touch screen area 53 a, which when pressed generates a signal to the controller, which then flags the alarm for actuation when actuate the selected bed condition being monitored occurs. Screen 53 also may include touch screen areas 53 b and 53 c, which are provided to signal to the controller to increase or decrease the volume of the alarm. Screen 53 further may include an area 53 d to signal to the controller to test the alarm so that a user may determine whether the volume is sufficient and, further, whether it is working. In addition, touch screen image 53 may include an area 53 e which when actuated generates a signal to the controller to cancel the alarm. After a preselected period of time has elapsed as measured by the controller, controller then closes screen 53 and returns display 38 to screen 52. Once returned to screen 52, a user may close screen 52 using touch screen area 52 f, which returns the display to the iBed screen image 50.

Referring to FIGS. 18 and 22, when region 50 b is selected, the controller will generate and display a protocol reminder screen image 54 at display 38, which displays a menu of protocols that can be selected by the user. In the illustrated embodiment, screen image 54 includes a menu of nine protocols, for example, for: turning the patient, weighing the patient, checking the patient's blood sugar, rotating the patient, applying DVT prophylaxis, applying percussion, for intake/outtake, for administering oral care to the patient, washing the patient's hands. It should be understood that the number of protocols may be reduce or increased. Additional or alternate protocols that may be included include protocols relating to: infection control or wound care, such as checking a patient's dressing; checking the patient's vitals, including checking the patient's heart rate, the patient's temperature, oxygen levels; checking the cleanliness of the bed; checking the patient's restraints when the patient is restrained; and generally checking the patient's position on the bed to minimize the risk of the patient falling or getting trapped in a undesirable position on the bed. Further, as will be more fully described below, protocols may be created using the protocol reminder user interface.

As best seen in FIG. 23, screen image 54 includes nine touch screen areas 54 a, each associated with a protocol, such as the protocols listed above, which are stored in the controller's memory or storage device, for example in a look up table. When one of the touch screen areas 54 a is selected, the protocol associated with that touch screen area (denoted in the illustrated embodiment by text-though icons could also be used) will be stored in the controller's memory or storage device as a selected protocol. Further, once a touch screen area 54 a is selected, the controller will generate another screen image 56, which also has a plurality touch screen areas that allow the user to set one or more parameters associated with the protocol. For example, touch screen 56 includes touch screen areas 56 a that select the time, namely hour, minutes, and AM or PM, to be associated with that particular selected protocol (identified in window 56 b) and the time at which controller will generate a prompt or reminder to be generated at display 38 and/or to actuate the alarm. Further, touch screen 56 may also include a touch screen area 56 c that allows the user to add the protocol and its associated reminder time to a protocol reminder list (FIG. 24) stored in the controller's memory or storage device. Once added to the list, the controller will close screen image 56 and return to screen image 54.

Referring again to FIG. 23, screen image 54 is provided a touch screen area 54 b which when actuated generates a signal to the controller to display the reminder list to allow a user to view the reminder list. For example, when area 54 b is selected, a reminder list screen image 55 (FIG. 24) is displayed by the controller at display 38, which includes a window 55 b that displays in text form each reminder that has been selected and its associated reminder time and also a plurality of touch screen areas 55 a, 55 c, 55 d, and 55 e, which allow the user to modify the list. For example, touch screen areas 55 c and 55 e allow the user scroll through the list of reminders in window 55 b. Using touch screen area 55 d, the user can then select an entry from the list, which causes the controller to display screen image 56 (but with the selected entry displayed at display 56 b), which allows the user to change the time for the selected protocol from the list in window 55 b. Touch screen areas 55 a, 55 f, and 55 g are provided that generate a signal to the controller to remove a protocol from the list when it is selected (by touch screen area 55 d); remove all reminders; or close the screen image to return to the reminder screen image 54, respectively.

Screen image 54 also provides a touch screen area 54 c for setting an audible alert as the reminder. When actuated, screen area 54 c signals to the control system to display screen image 53, which allows the user to actuate the audible alarm setting for the selected protocols in the protocol list and, further, to set the volume of the alarm, as well as test the alarm, as noted above. In addition to providing a menu of specific protocols, the controller may initially generate a menu of categories of protocols, which when selected generate another touch screen with a menu of the specific protocols associate with the selected category. For, example, a touch screen display may list reminder groups, such as skin care, pulmonary, fall prevention, neurological, gastrointestinal, patient weight, mobility, blood, or a restraint category. Once the category is selected, the controller will then generate a list of protocols for that category—e.g. for the pulmonary group, the controller may list for example, HOB Elevation, DVT Prophylaxis, Rotation Percussion, Sedation Assessment, Daily Sedation Vacation, Stress Ulcer Prophlaxis, Oral Care, Vibration Times, etc.

In addition to allowing the user to select which bed conditions or patient conditions are to be monitored and to select protocols for prompts or reminders, screen image 50 provides computational functions. As best seen in FIGS. 18, 20, and 21, when touch screen area 50 c or 50 d is selected, the controller will display a computer screen image 57 (FIG. 20) or a conversion screen image 58 (FIG. 21), respectively. Screen image 57 is configured as a calculator with a plurality of touch screen areas 57 a for inputting numerical values into the controller and selecting the operations to be performed on the numerical values by the controller, which are input using the touch screen areas. Screen image 57 also includes a window 57 b that displays the input values and the results of the operation performed the input values (into the controller) and a touch screen area 57 c that allows the user to signal to the controller to switch to the conversion screen image 58. Further, screen image 57 includes a screen area 57 d to send a signal to the controller to close the screen image (57) and return to screen image 50.

Screen image 58 is similarly provided with screen areas 58 a for inputting numerical values and selecting the conversion operations to be performed by the controller on the numerical values that are input into the controller and a window 58 b that displays the input and results. Screen image 58 also includes a touch screen area 58 c for signaling the controller to close the touch screen image (58) and return to touch screen image 50. Screen 58 also includes a touch screen area 58 d that allows the user to signal to the controller to switch to the calculator touch screen image (57).

In addition, iBed screen image 50 provides a translation function. When touch screen area 50 e is selected, translation touch screen image 59 (FIG. 27) will be generated and displayed by the controller at display 38. Screen image 59 provides a menu of phrases and includes a plurality of touch screen areas 59 a, each associated with a phrase. When a phrase is selected by the user, the controller will then generate another screen image 60, which provides a menu of languages into which the phrase can be translated and includes a touch screen area 60 a associated with each language. Once the user selects the language, the controller will generate yet another screen image 61 with two text windows 61 a and 61 b, one that displays the original phrase (61 a) to be translated and the other to display the translation (61 b). Each of the screen images may include a screen area (59 b, 60 b, and 61 c) to close the respective screen image-alternately, the controller may close the screen images after a pre-selected period of time has elapsed, as measured by the controller.

Optionally, rather that the user reciting the translation, the controller may be configured to play a pre-recorded message (in for example an MP3 player or other recording/playing device) containing the phrase using the speakers at the head end of the bed or using speakers provided at the footboard, including in control module 30.

Support Surface

Returning again to FIG. 2, when user interface 36 b is selected, controller will generate a touch screen image 62 (see FIGS. 28 and 30), which displays various features related to the mattress and in the illustrated embodiment includes a menu of functions relating to the patient surface, namely the mattress. In the illustrated embodiment, display image 62 (FIG. 29) includes user interfaces for generating signals to the controller to adjust the firmness of the support surface, as well as turning of the patient. To achieve this, the menu is provided by a plurality of touch screen areas 62 a, 62 b, 62 c, 62 d, 62 e, and 62 f, which generate a signal to the controller to turn the patient (62 a), for example by actuating the inflation of bladders provided at the patient support surface, to provide maximum inflation (62 b) of the bladders, to stop the inflation (62 c), to increase or decrease the firmness (62 d) by adjusting the air in the bladders, to reset the CPR (62 e), and to lock the bed functions from access to the patient (62 f).

Further, indicators 62 g, such as regions of the screen that change color, for example, may be associated with each function and indicate when a particular function is selected. In addition, indicators 62 g can be provided to indicate a parameter of the function. For example, the firmness function may have a series of indicators 62 g to provide an indication of the degree of firmness to thereby provide feedback to the user. Although not illustrated, screen image 62 may also include a touch screen area to allow a user to close the screen image and return to starting screen image at touch screen 38 a (FIG. 2).

A second screen image 64 is generated by the controller with the selection of touch screen area 636 b. Screen image 64 includes a plurality of touch screen areas 64 a also associated with the patient surface of the bed, which include for example a rotation function to inflate portions of the mattress to rotate the patient, a percussion treatment function, a vibration function, a maximum inflate function, a firmness function, and a turn assist function. Additional touch screen areas are included that provide start and stop functions (64 b), allow a user to select for example, the angle of rotation (64 c) when the turn assist function (64 a) is selected. Further, touch screen areas 64 d are provided to allow a user to select a time and also the length of the treatment in the case of the vibration and or percussion treatment, as well as the level of intensity. Additional touch screen areas 64 e are provided to lock or un-lock various features of the various functions of display screen image 64. Touch screen area 62 f is provided to turn off the alarm at the bed, and touch screen area 64 g allows the user to look up information about the patient, which may be stored in the controller.

Once the functions of screen images 63 and 64 are completed, or a pre-selected time has elapsed as measured by the controller, the controller may, rather than returning to starting screen image at screen 38 a, display a bed control screen image 66, described more fully below in reference to when user interface 36 c is selected.

Bed Controls

Referring to FIGS. 28 and 30, when user interface 36 c is selected by a user, the controller will generate bed control screen image 66. Screen image 66 includes a plurality of user interfaces in the form of touch screen areas 66 a, which allow a user to send a signal to the controller 25 to change the position of the deck by actuation of the deck actuators and/or the height of the patient support surface. Screen image 66 includes various icons 66 b, 66 c that schematically show the adjustments. For example, icon 66 b schematically illustrates the raising of the support surface and further includes a text window 66 d that displays a numerical value representing the height of the patient support surface relative to the ground surface. In reference to the deck position, icons 66 c represent the deck sections and further include a text window 66 e for displaying the angular position of the respective deck section. Further the respective deck sections are aligned with corresponding portions of the touch screen areas that actuate the respective deck sections to provide a cognitive association between the user interfaces and the sections of the deck that are moved in response to their selection.

In the illustrated embodiment, each touch screen area 66 a includes an arrow, which is oriented to indicate whether the touch screen area increases or decreases the angular orientations of the respective deck section or the height of the patient support surface. Additional touch screen areas 66 f may be provided that generate signals to the controller to configure the patient support surface into a pre-selected configuration, such as the Trendelenburg or reverse-Trendelenburg positions. Further, touch screen image 66 includes a window 66 g with an icon that graphically represents the Trendelenburg and reverse-Trendelenburg positions and text 66 h, which indicates the angle of the patient support surface. Further, touch screen image 66 may include another text window 66 i to display the HOB angle. Again, after a pre-selected period of time has elapsed with no selections being made, the controller may revert to displaying another screen, such as a default screen, or may simply leave screen 66 on the display until another function is selected by user interface 36.

Lockouts

When user interface device 36 d is selected, a lockouts screen image 68 will be generated by the controller. Screen image 68 may assume a number of different configurations, as shown in FIGS. 31A-31D, depending on the selection made by the user. Referring to FIG. 31A, screen image 68 includes an icon 68 a, which schematically represents the three sections of the deck support of the patient support surface. A second icon 68 b is provided, which schematically represents the elevation mechanism for the bed. Further, screen image 68 includes user interfaces 68 c and 68 d, which may be used to select whether the lockouts, to be described below, apply to all the bed controls as indicated in user interface 68 d or simply to the patient controls only (68 c). When the patient controls only user interface is selected (66 c), the individual actuators on the bed may be blocked from use by the patient as illustrated in FIGS. 31A and 31B. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the icon 68 g associated with the bed elevation actuator indicates that the bed elevation actuator is not an actuator that can be adjusted by the patient, similar to the actuator associated with the leg section of the deck, represented by icon 68 h. Further, screen image 68 includes a user interface 68 e, which when selected by the user unlocks all the “unblocked” actuators as shown in FIG. 31A or locks all the “unblocked” actuators as shown in FIG. 31B. For example, as shown in FIGS. 31A and 31B, each representative deck section in the icon 68 a includes an icon 68 f, which indicates whether the actuator associated with that particular deck section is locked (FIG. 31B) or unlocked (FIG. 31A). Further, only those actuators not blocked are controlled by the selection of user interface 68 e.

Referring to FIGS. 31C and 31D, when the all bed controls user interface 68 d is selected, selection of user interface 68 e will control each of the actuators on the bed. As shown in FIG. 31C, when user interface 68 e is selected such that it displays the unlocked icon, each of the respective user interfaces 68 f, 68 g, and 68 h will indicate an unlocked condition for their respective actuators. In contrast, referring to FIG. 31D, when lockout user interface 68 e is selected to display a locked condition, each of the respective user interfaces 68 f, 68 g, and 68 h will indicate a locked condition for their respective actuators.

The controller will then return the display to the main menu display 38 after a period of time, as measured by the controller.

Event Manager

In addition to displaying screen images in response to input by users at user interfaces, display 38 may display bed conditions. In the illustrated embodiment, an event manager screen image 70 is displayed in response to triggers from a condition at apparatus 10. For example, referring to FIG. 32, screen image 70 is displayed when an event occurs, such as the bed exit alarm is activated or when a side rail is lowered, including for example the head left or right side rail being lowered. Other alarm conditions that may be included for example, include when the patient support surface is wet, when the patient has not moved over a selected period of time, or for example when the patient has moved excessively over a predetermined period of time, with each of these alarm conditions occurrences being preprogrammed into the controller.

In the illustrated embodiment, screen image 70 includes a text window 70 a, which identifies the event that has occurred. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the bed exit alarm was activated and head left side rail was lowered, which triggered the controller to generate screen image 70. Although the events are illustrated as being conveyed in a text message format, it should be understood that other message formats or prompts can be used, such as icons or audible messages using the speakers on the bed, for example.

In addition screen image 70 includes a user interface 70 b to allow a user to proceed to a menu of the events that can be monitored and generate notifications. Additionally, screen image 70 includes a second user interface 70 c, which allows the user to close and disarm the event or alarm setting. Further, screen image 70 includes a plurality of additional user interfaces 70 d, which allow the user to input a reminder request to the controller and, further, specify the time period for the reminder or prompt. For example, each user interface 70 d may include a time associated therewith, which may be indicated by text or by graphical images or a combination of both. After the close and disarm user interface has been selected or after a reminder period has been selected, the controller will return the display to the initial screen image at touch screen 38 a.

Scale Functions

When user interface 36 e is selected, a scale screen image 72 will be generated and displayed, such as illustrated in FIGS. 28 and 33. As will be more fully described below, when user interface 36 e is selected, the controller will provide a plurality of overlay screen images with user interfaces to guide a user through the patient weighing process. Referring to FIG. 33, the initial display 72, which is displayed when user interface 38 e is selected, includes a plurality of user interfaces 72 a, 72 b, 72 c, 72 d, 72 e, 72 f, and 72 g. Further, display 72 includes a text window 72 h, which displays the current patient weight in the scale selected by user interface 72 c, which is used to select between pounds and kilograms. Further, an additional text display 72 i may be provided that includes text relating to the date and time that the scale was last zeroed.

When the patient is to be weighed, the user will select user interface 72 a. Referring to FIG. 34, when user interface 72 a is selected, the controller will generate an overlay display 73, which acknowledges the selection and, further, includes text letting the user know that the bed will weigh the patient after a delay. Display 73 further includes a user interface 73 a, which allows the user to cancel the weighing sequence. After a timed delay, which is stored in the controller, display 72 will generate second overlay display 74, which includes a text window 74 a for displaying the weight of the patient and, further, optionally displays text 74 b indicating the time and date of when the patient's weight was taken. Further, display 74 includes a user interface 74 c to allow the user to select between pounds and kilograms. Similarly, a user interface 74 d is provided that allows the user to close the screen image 74 and return to the main scale screen image 72.

As described in the referenced applications, the controller calibrates the weight of the patient based on equipment mounted to the bed. Therefore, should additional equipment be added or removed, in order to get an accurate reading on the patient's weight, the change of equipment must be taken into account. Therefore, when changing equipment, whether adding or removing equipment, the user can select user interface 72 e to indicate that equipment is being changed on the bed. When user interface 72 e is selected, another overlay screen image 75 (FIG. 35) will be generated by the controller, which prompts the user to acknowledge that a change of equipment is going to occur by selecting user interface 75 a. If no change of equipment is going to occur or the selection was made in error, the user may select user interface 75 b to cancel the procedure.

In response to user interface 75 a being selected, the controller generates another overlay screen image 76 (FIG. 36), which instructs the user not to touch the bed so that the weight of the bed prior to adding equipment can be precisely determined. Overlay screen image 76 may include a user interface 76 a to allow the user to cancel the process and return the screen image to the main scale screen image 72 (FIG. 33). After a preselected predetermined time, which is stored in the controller, the controller will then generate yet another screen image 77 with instructions to the user to add or remove the equipment and, further, to select user interface 77 a when the equipment change is complete. Optionally, screen image 77 includes another user interface 77 b to once again allow the user to cancel the process and return to screen image 72.

After the user interface 77 a is selected, which indicates to the controller that the equipment has been removed or added, the controller will again generate overlay screen image 76, which warns the user not to touch the bed, so that the computer will have time to measure the change in weight at the bed. Again, screen image 76 includes a user interface device 76 a that will allow a user to cancel the process.

Referring again to FIG. 37, after any necessary equipment change adjustment has been complete, and display 38 returns to screen image 72, a user may select the change patient weight user interface 72 f to allow the user to change the patient's weight. When user interface 72 f is selected, the controller will generate an overlay screen image 78, which requests whether the user wishes to change the patient's weight and includes a user interface 78 a that, when selected, confirms that the patient weight is to be changed and a second user interface 78 b so that the user may cancel the process. When user interface 78 a is selected, the controller will generate another overlay screen image 79, which instructs the user not to touch the bed and, further, optionally includes a user interface 79 a to allow the user to cancel the process.

After a predetermined time stored within the controller, the controller will generate another screen image overlay 80, which includes a text window 80 a to confirm that the patient weight is being changed and a second text window 80 b, which displays a combination of alphanumeric text to indicate the patient's weight. Further, screen image 80 includes user interfaces 80 c, which allow the user to increase or decrease the weight of the patient. Once the weight is adjusted using user interfaces 80 c, the user may enter the patient's weight into the controller using user interface 80 d. Once entered, the controller will remove the overlay image 80 to allow the user to view the full screen of screen image 72.

Referring again to FIG. 33, should the user select user interface 72 g, the controller will generate yet another overlay screen image 81 (FIG. 38), which includes text 81 a and text windows 81 b to identify what the initial weight of the patient is, the current weight of the patient, and the change in weight (gain). Further, screen image 81 includes an interface 81 c that allows the user to select between pounds and kilograms. Further, screen image 81 includes a user interface 81 d to allow the user to close the screen image and return to the main scale screen image 72.

A further function provided by screen image 72 is to allow a user to set the scale to zero, for example, when a patient has exited the bed. When a user selects user interface 72 b, control system will generate an overlay screen image 82 (FIG. 39), which displays a text message 82 a, which requests the user to confirm whether the scale should be set to zero and, further, includes a user interface 82 b to allow the user to affirm the selection. Additionally, a user interface 82 c is provided to allow the user to cancel the process.

Once the user selects user interface 82 b, the controller will generate an overlay screen image 83 instructing the user not to touch the bed, which further includes a user interface 83 a to allow the user to cancel the process. Once the controller has set the scale to zero, the control system will remove the overlay screen image 83 to return the display to screen image 72.

Bed Exit

As noted above, patient support apparatus 10 may incorporate a bed exit system. Bed exit system may be used to provide information regarding the patient's location on the patient support surface. Further, the position of the patient can be graphically displayed on display 38 or at a remote monitoring station, for example, wherein the position can be displayed in a color-coded position or pressure diagram. Based on the patient's bed position, the controller may be configured to determine the likelihood of a patient exiting the bed and initiating an appropriate alarm if bed exiting has occurred or is likely to occur. Further, based on the evaluation of the patient's position, movement of the patient can be evaluated, thereby providing a means for issuing an alarm due to patient inactivity or activity, for example when an ICU patient is awakening.

As described in the referenced application, the bed exit system uses a load cell system that is incorporated into patient support 10. For the bed exit system, the load cell system is typically mounted below the deck sections (22 a, 22 b, and 22 c) and on the load frame 23 that mounts the deck to the base. Signals from the load cells 27 are monitored and processed by, for example, controller 25 and, as noted above, may be used to measure the patient's weight and, further, to determine the weight on the individual load cell, which may correspond, for example to the foot left or right left load cell or head left or head right load cells. An example of a suitable bed exit system is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,276,432, commonly owned by Stryker Corporation, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

When bed exit user interface 36 f (FIG. 41) is selected, the controller will generate a screen image 84 that includes a plurality of icons 84 a that represent whether the bed exit system is armed or disarmed. Further, screen image 84 includes user interfaces 84 b, 84 c, and 84 d to allow a user to select the alarm, to arm the bed exit system, or disarm the bed exit system. When the alarm user interface 84 b is selected, screen image 53 (described previously) will be generated by the controller, which allows the user to set the alarm, adjust the volume of the alarm, and test the alarm.

Other Options

Referring again to FIG. 2, control assembly 30 includes a user interface 36 g, which allows a user to select a plurality of bed related features or functions. Referring to FIG. 42, when user interface 36 g is selected, the controller will generate an options screen image 86, which includes a menu of options. To select from the menu of options, screen image 86 includes a plurality of user interfaces 86 a, 86 b, 86 c, 86 d, 86 e, and 86 f. It should be understood that additional options may be provided and, further, associated with a respective user interface provided at screen image 86. In the illustrated embodiment, user interface 86 a is associated with setting the time on the controller. User interface 86 b allows a user to select a configuration of the TV. User interface 86 c allows a user to select a language for the controller so that text is displayed in the selected language. User interface 86 d allows the user to view historical data that may be stored in the controller. User interface 86 e allows a user to adjust the brightness of a backlight provided at the patient support, and user interface 86 f allows a user to initiate a maintenance check on the patient support.

Referring to FIG. 43, when user interface 86 a is selected, the controller will generate an overlay screen image 87, which includes a plurality of user interfaces 87 a to allow the user to select the time and date. Further, screen image 87 includes a user interface 87 b to enter the selected time and a second user interface 87 c, which allows the user to cancel the time setup. After the new time is entered into the controller or the time setup process is cancelled, the controller will close screen image 87 to display screen image 86.

Referring to display screen image 86, if the user wishes to change the configuration of the TV, the user may select user interface 86 b, which triggers the controller to generate an overlay screen image 88 (FIG. 44) with various TV options. For each option, screen image 88 includes a user interface 88 a that allows the user to choose between the various configurations for the TV, including an auto configuration, which is stored in the computer system. Further, touch screen image 88 includes a user interface 88 b to allow the user to enter and store the selected configuration in the controller. Once the configuration is entered into the controller, the controller will remove the overlay display to return to the options display 86.

As noted above, screen image 86 includes a user interface 86 c to select the language of the text displayed at control module or other displays on the bed. As best seen in FIG. 45, when user interface 86 c is selected, the controller will generate a language overlay display image 89, which includes a plurality of user interfaces 89 a for selecting between language choices, such as English, Spanish, and French. Once the language is selected using user interfaces 89 a, the user can enter the selection using user interface 89 b. Once the selection is made, the controller will close screen image 89 to return to screen image 86. It should be understood that the number of language options may be increased and/or changed.

Referring again to FIG. 42, when a user selects user interface 86 d, the controller will generate a history overlay screen image 90, which allows the user to view various histories, including the scale history, which is actuated by user interface 90 a, the head of bed history, which is selected by actuating user interface 90 b, bed height history, which is selected by actuating user interface 90 c. Furthermore, screen image 90 includes a user interface 90 d to allow the user to close the screen image and terminate the process.

Referring to FIG. 47, when a user selects user interface 90 a, the controller will generate a scale history screen image 91, which includes a graphical representation 91 a of the patient's weight starting from the starting weight of the patient to the current weight of the patient. Further, screen image 91 includes user interfaces 91 b to allow a user to select between the various data points to check the weight of the entire history of the patient. Further, screen image 91 optionally includes a user interface 91 c for converting the scale from, for example, pounds to kilograms. In addition, screen image 91 optionally includes a user interface 91 d, which when selected initiates the controller to store a selected weight using user interface 91 b. Further, as in the case of any of the screen images, screen image 91 may incorporate a user interface to close the screen image to terminate the function.

When user interface 91 d is selected, the controller will generate an overlay screen image 92, which includes a window 92 a for displaying the weight selected using user interfaces 91 b. Further, screen image 92 will include a text area that displays the date and time of the weight associated with window 92 a. Also, overlay screen image 92 includes a pair of user interfaces 92 b to allow the user to look at the previous or next weight entries that stored in the controller.

Similarly, when a user selects user interface 90 b, the controller will generate an overlay screen image 93 that will allow a user to check the angle history of the head of the bed. For example, overlay screen image 93 includes a user interface 93 a, which when selected causes the controller to generate another screen image 94, which includes a display area 94 a that lists in the illustrated embodiment in tabular form the angle history of the head of the bed. For example, display 94 can include the various angle ranges the last time that the head of the bed fell within that angle range within the last twelve hours and, optionally, the last time the head of the bed fell in those specific angular ranges in the last twenty-four hours. Further, screen image 94 includes a user interface 94 b that allows a user to indicate to the controller to reset the angle data. Touch screen image 94 also includes an additional user interface 94 c, which allows the user to close the screen image 94 to return to screen image 93.

Screen image 93 may additionally include date and time and the current angular position of the head with the bed including the duration of time in the form of a text display. Once image 93 is closed using user interface 93 b, the control system will return the display to screen image 86.

When the user selects user interface 90 c, the controller will be triggered to display the bed height history. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the controller will generate a screen image 95 (FIG. 47) that displays information relating to the bed height. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, screen image 95 displays the bed height in alphanumeric text 95 a, the duration of the bed at the height using alphanumeric text and, further, optionally the date and time that a user accesses the bed height history information. Further, screen image 95 includes a user interface 95 b, which allows a user to view the history over an extended period of time. When user interface 95 b is selected, the controller will generate another screen image 96 with a tabulation of the height history similar to screen image 94, which may include, for example, the ranges of height, the last time in the last twelve hours that the bed was in that range, and the last time the bed was in that range in the last twenty-four hour period.

Further, screen image 96 includes a user interface 96 b that allows the user to reset the data in control system 25 and, further, a user interface 96 c to allow the user to close screen image 96 to return to screen image 95. Similarly, screen image 95 includes a user interface 95 c, which allows a user to signal to the controller to return to screen image 86.

Referring again to FIG. 42, when a user selects user interface 86 c, the controller will generate an overlay screen image 97 (FIG. 48), which includes a plurality of user interfaces 97 a, which signal to the controller to adjust the intensity of the backlight on the bed and, further, the user interface 97 b enter the selected light intensity. Optionally, screen image 97 includes icons 97 c that represents the backlight itself and, further, an icon 97 d that provides a graphical representation of the intensity of the light. Once the adjustment is made, and the user accepts the selected intensity by selecting user interface 97 b, which signals to the controller to adjust the light accordingly. The controller will then return the screen image 97 to screen image 86 after a selected period of time as measured by the control system. Optionally, screen image 97 may include a further user interface (not shown) to close the screen image.

Referring again to FIG. 42, when the user selects user interface 86 f, control system 25 will generate an overlay screen image 98 (FIG. 49), which allows a user to check the status of the maintenance of the bed. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, screen image 98 includes a plurality of user interfaces 98 a, 98 b, 98 c, and 98 d. User interface 98 a allows the user to signal to the controller to display error codes, which are displayed on a second overlay screen image 99. Image 99 includes a text display 99 a that will provide an indication of any error codes that may exist on the bed. Further, screen image 99 includes a user interface 99 b that allows the user to close the screen image.

User interface 98 b allows the user to signal to the controller to display the signal values. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller generates another overlay screen image 100, which includes, for example, a text box 100 a that similarly lists the signal values. Further, screen image 100 includes a user interface 100 b to allow the user to close the screen image.

When a user selects user interface 98 c, user interface 98 c signals to the controller 25 to list the buttons that have been pressed on the bed. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller generates yet another screen image 101 with a text area or display 101 a where the identification information relating to the selected user interface may be displayed in alphanumeric text. Similarly, screen image 101 includes a user interface 101 b that allows the user to close the screen image and turn to screen image 98. Once the user is completed with the maintenance check, the user can select user interface 98 a to close the screen image and return to screen image 86.

Optionally, when user interfaces 36 a, user interface 36 c, and user interface 36 g are selected at the same time, the controller may generate a screen (not shown) that allows the user to modify the configuration of the touch screen.

Referring to FIG. 50, the control system of the present invention may provide additional features. These features may be added to the controller software or may be added by modules that are coupled to the bed control system and in communication with the controller. For example, additional or expanded menus, such as patient related menus may be provided, such as an expanded protocol reminder menu 150 b, an expanded translation module menu 150 e, a bed usage information menu 150 f, and a patient monitoring menu 150 g.

Referring to FIG. 51, the expanded protocol reminder menu 150 b may allow a user to add (151 b-153 b) or create (154 b-156 b) a protocol. As noted above, standard protocols may be stored in the controller, which may be selected by the user. The protocols may be increased by uploading additional protocols or providing additional modules that provide other functionality. When new protocols are to be added to the control system, the protocols may be created using an input device (156 b), such as a keyboard, or input from a network or through a USB port, using a memory stick or data card or the like. For example, the controller may generate a “create new protocol” icon, which once selected would allow a user, using the keyboard at the touch screen or another key board at the control module, to key in the name of the protocol code, which then prompt the controller generate an icon at the display that represented that protocol. Once the name of a new (whether keyed in or uploaded) the new protocol is stored in the controller, and the new protocol will then be displayed on the list of protocols that can be then selected by the user using the routine described above.

In this manner, the protocol reminder menu 150 b provides an expanded choice of functions and protocols that can be monitored and prompted and displayed at display 38.

In addition, protocol reminder menu 150 b may also provide an option to document protocols. For example, the controller may be configured to store data (157 b) associated with a protocol. Further, the controller may be configured to store the type and occurrence of a protocol reminder and whether the protocol was followed by the healthcare worker as indicated by an acknowledgement entered by the healthcare worker. For example, when a healthcare worker takes the associated action or actions associated with a protocol, the healthcare worker may indicate to the controller that the sequence or acts associated with the protocol are complete. This may be achieved through a user interface, which may be provided on the display, such as a touch screen area of the display, or on a separate button provided at control panel 38 that when selected indicates that the protocol sequence was followed. In addition, the controller may store the time entry of the acknowledgement. In addition, the controller may produce a report based on the data collected with regard to the protocols.

Further, the controller may have stored therein data related to one or more of the protocols to compare the collected data to the data stored for the respective protocol to verify conformance (159 b). In addition, as noted above, control system may provide remote monitoring (161 b) and in communication with a remote device, such as a nurses' station to allow remote monitoring of the protocols. Furthermore, the remote device may collect data from the controller to create a separate report or to download the report that is generated by the controller (163 b). In addition, the remote device may select a protocol reminder to be displayed at display 38 and/or to be displayed at the remote location, such as the nurses' station (164 b).

Referring to FIG. 52, translation module menu 150 e similarly provides a user to select a language (151 e) into which the input phrase is translated. For example, a standard set of language may be stored on the controller, which may include for example, English, French, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Dutch, or the like (152 e). Similar to translation module 50 e, translation module 150 e may include a choice of phrases (153 e), which may be selected for translation and may further include a database of words (154 e) that may be selected to create a sentence (155 e). For example, the words may be combined together or may be combined with the pre-stored phrases, such as movement or function phrases or safety phrases to be integrated into a sentence, which is then translated. These new sentences may then be stored on the controller (156 e). Furthermore, as previously noted, the control system may optionally include a voice recorder and player so that one or more of the phrases or constructed sentences may be recorded (157 e) and, further, played at the patient support (158 e). In addition to selecting the language of the text to be displayed at display 38, the language of the recording being played at the patient support may also be selected. For example, a pre-selected group of recordings in the various foreign languages available on the controller may be recorded and played at the patient support, which may be particularly useful when dealing with a patient that does not speak the language of the caregiver. For example, a selection of basic phrases in any one of the languages of choice on the controller may be recorded and selected by the healthcare worker. Likewise, a selection of a plurality of phrases in the various languages available on the controller may be stored for use by the patient. For example, the patient may select from a languages with the various phrases available for their selection either in text display or to be played by the speaker of the recording/player device.

Referring to FIG. 53, as noted above, bed usage information (150 f) may be input into the controller. For example, the bed room assignment (151 f), patient related information (152 f), and nurse related information (153 f) may be input into the controller. For example, the bed room assignment information, patient related information, and nurse related information may be input into the controller using a keyboard (154 f-156 f), such as a keyboard, such as a virtual keyboard, provided on the touch screen. Further, this information may be displayed (157 f-159 f) at display 38, for example until additional information is input into the controller.

In addition, the control system of the present invention may incorporate a voice recognition module 160 f. Voice recognition module 160 f includes a speaker and, further, voice recognition software, which allows a user to speak into the microphone and have the speech converted into input by the software for controlling various features on the bed. For example, the voice recognition module may include a speaker that is located for the patient's use as well as a speaker available for use by the healthcare provider. For example, instructions received at the patient's microphone (162 f) may be used to control various features on the bed, such as the elevation of the head section or the foot section of the bed, or accessories at the bed, such as a light, TV, radio, or the like, or to activate the nurse call system. In contrast, the microphone located at the, for example, foot end of the bed for use by healthcare worker, may be used to control the orientation of the bed with some additional expanded options, for example to move the bed into a Trendelenburg or reverse-Trendelenburg position. For example, a healthcare worker may input commands to the voice recognition module to adjust the firmness of the bed, to initiate rotational, vibration, or percussion therapy, etc.

Referring to FIG. 54, the patient monitoring functions (150 g) may also be displayed at display 38. For example, as previously noted, the patient's vital signs (151 g) may be displayed at display 38. The vital signs may be collected by a bed base vital signs device (152 g), which is incorporated into the control system and which generates signals to the controller, which in turn communicates the signals to the display through the bed network (153 g) for displaying at display 38 (154 g). Alternately, a commercially available vital signs monitoring device (155 g), such as a CASMED 750 available from Philips, may be coupled to the bed network, which generates signals to the controller again for display at display 38(154 g). For example, suitable vital signs may include the patient's temperature, ECG, SpO2 patient's blood pressure, or the like. This may be displayed in the form of a text or graphical form.

In addition to monitoring vital signs, the control system on the bed may monitor the pressure on the patient's skin (156 g). For example, as previously noted, the control system may include load cells, which can be used to indicate the location of the patient on the bed and, further, indicate whether there is a likelihood of a high pressure zone on the patient's body. Further, the patient support may incorporate pressure sensors in the mattress or on top of the mattress in the form of a matt, which may be used to generate a pressure map (158 g), which in turn may be used to locate high pressure points on the patient. Knowing the pressure points on the patient support surface may enable the healthcare worker to know whether a particular part of the patient's body is vulnerable to forming sores and needs to be moved. For example, the controller may include a set pressure point and a set time (160 g), which when exceed indicates that the patient is vulnerable to a bed sore. When the controller detects a high pressure point, the controller may trigger an alarm (161 g) so that the healthcare worker may adjust the position of the patient on the bed. For example, the controller may initiate an alarm when a high pressure point is detected, and, further, only after a pre-selected period of time has elapsed. This may be achieved by storing on the controller a look-up table of pre-selected pressure point values, which when exceeded trigger the alarm. Further, a matrix may be stored on the controller, which includes time periods and pressure points values, which define different combinations of pressure point values and time periods to serve as the trigger.

Similarly, the controller may trigger an alarm when the load cells indicate a lack of activity on the part of the patient. For example, as previously noted, the load cells may be used to track the center of gravity of the patient with the control and monitoring the movement of the center of gravity (157 g) to determine whether the patient is moving. If the controller determines a patient has not moved for a period of time that exceeds a maximum time period (which is stored in the controller), the controller may then trigger an alarm.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a patient support that incorporates a control system which provides enhanced control over one or more the bed functions and further over information relating to the bed and to the patient. Further, the controller allows the user to select a protocol for the patient and further have the control system remind the user of the protocols. Additionally, the control system allows the user to store and review patient data to help to define better treatment for the patient or define trends about the patient's healing process.

While several forms of the invention have been shown and described, other forms and features will now be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the various components of the apparatus, such as the side rails, footboard, and headboard, as well as the elevation mechanism and deck actuators may be modified. Therefore, it will be understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above are merely for illustrative purposes, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention which is defined by the claims which follow as interpreted under the principles of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents. 

1. A patient support comprising: a frame, said frame having at least one chosen from a side rail, a head board, and a foot board; a patient support surface supported at said frame; a display incorporated into said frame; a user interface incorporated into said frame; and a controller incorporated into said frame, said controller having a plurality of prompts stored therein, said user interface in communication with said controller and for selecting a selected prompt from said plurality of prompts stored in said controller, and when said selected prompt is selected said controller generating a display image or text associated with said selected prompt at said display in response to a passage of time or an input to provide a visual prompt to the user.
 2. The patient support according to claim 1, wherein said user interface includes a first user interface associated with a first prompt of said plurality of prompts and a second user interface associated with a second prompt of said plurality of prompts.
 3. The patient support according to claim 1, wherein said display comprises a touch screen.
 4. The patient support according to claim 3, wherein said user interface comprises at least one sensitive area of said touch screen wherein said touch screen forms said user interface.
 5. The patient support according to claim 4, wherein said sensitive area comprises a touch sensitive area of said touch screen.
 6. The patient support according to claim 4, wherein said touch screen includes a plurality of sensitive areas, said plurality of sensitive areas forming a menu for said plurality of protocols.
 7. The patient support according to claim 1, said frame including a footboard, said display mounted at said footboard.
 8. The patient support according to claim 7, wherein said controller is mounted at said footboard.
 9. The patient support according to claim 8, wherein said controller includes said display.
 10. The patient support according to claim 1, wherein said user interface comprises a first user interface, said patient support further comprising a second user interface, said second user interface for selecting an alarm setting stored in said controller for said selected prompt, and when said alarm setting is selected said controller actuating said alarm in response to said passage of time or said input.
 11. The patient support according to claim 10, wherein said touch screen displays a first screen image and a second screen image, said first screen image displaying said first user interface, and said second screen image displaying said second user interface and having a plurality of sensitive areas, said sensitive areas of said second screen image providing a menu of options relative to said alarm setting.
 12. A patient support comprising: a patient support surface; a device associated with said patient support for sensing or controlling a parameter at said patient support; a patient support-based controller in communication with said device, said patient support-based controller mounted at said patient support; a display mounted at said patient support, said controller in communication with said display; and a user interface in communication with said controller, said user interface operable to select said parameter for display at said display, and when selected said controller monitoring said device and generating a display at said display associated with said parameter.
 13. The patient support according to claim 12, further comprising a plurality of sensors associated with said patient support for sensing a plurality of conditions of said patient support, and said user interface being operable to select one of said conditions, and when a selected condition is selected said controller monitoring said selected condition, and said controller generating a display at said display when said selected condition occurs.
 14. The patient support according to claim 12, wherein said display comprises a touch screen.
 15. The patient support according to claim 14 wherein said controller generates a screen image at said touch screen, said screen image including a region forming said user interface.
 16. The patient support according to claim 13, wherein said display comprises a touch screen, and said controller generating a screen image at said touch screen, said screen image including a plurality of regions forming a menu for said conditions.
 17. The patient support according to claim 13, wherein said user interface comprises a first user interface, said patient support further comprising a second user interface, said second user interface for selecting an alarm setting for said selected condition, said alarm setting being stored in said controller, and when said alarm setting is selected said controller actuating said alarm when said selected condition occurs.
 18. The patient support according to claim 17, wherein said controller generates a second screen image at said touch screen, said second screen image having a plurality of regions, said regions of said second screen image providing a menu of options relative to said alarm setting.
 19. The patient support according to claim 13, wherein said sensors comprise a plurality of load cells, said load cells in communication with said controller, and said controller using signals from said load cells to determine whether the bed is occupied or not.
 20. The patient support according to claim 12, further comprising a side rail, wherein said device includes a side rail sensor for detecting whether the side rail is lowered or not, and said controller using signals from said side rail sensor to determine whether the side rail is lowered or not.
 21. The patient support according to claim 12, further comprising a brake, wherein said device includes a brake sensor for detecting whether a brake is on or off, and said controller using a signal from said brake sensor to determine whether the brake is on or off.
 22. A patient support comprising: a patient support surface; a sensor associated with said patient support for sensing a parameter at said patient support; a patient support-based controller in communication with said sensor, said patient support-based controller mounted at said patient support; a display mounted at said patient support, said controller in communication with said display; and wherein said controller is in communication with a removable device, said removable device comprising a memory storage device and allowing a user to upload information to or download information from said controller.
 23. The patient support according to claim 22, wherein said controller is in communication with a remote device, said controller and said remote device being configured to allow a user to do at least one of the following: (1) remotely monitor the controller; (2) to review reports generate by the controllers; (3) generate a separate report based on the report generated by the controller or based on parameters selected by the user; (4) view the conditions at the patient support; (5) select a condition stored in the controller to be displayed at the patient support or at the remote device; or (6) input or retrieve information from the controller.
 24. The patient support according to claim 22, wherein said controller generates a screen image at said touch screen, said screen image including a region forming said user interface.
 25. The patient support according to claim 22, wherein said sensor comprises a plurality of load cells, said load cells in communication with said controller.
 26. The patient support according to claim 25, wherein said controller uses signals from said load cells to determine whether the bed is occupied or not.
 27. The patient support according to claim 25, wherein said controller uses signals from said load cells to determine the weight of a patient supported on the support surface.
 28. The patient support according to claim 25, wherein said sensor comprises an angle sensor for detecting the angle of the patient support surface.
 29. A patient support comprising: a patient support surface; a frame, said patient support surface supported by said frame; at least one actuator for adjusting said patient support surface or said frame; a patient support-based controller in communication with said actuator and operable to communicate drive signals to said actuator, said patient support-based controller mounted at said patient support; a display mounted at said patient support, said controller in communication with said display; and a user interface in communication with said controller, said user interface operable to communicate an input signal to said controller, said controller communicating a drive signal to said actuator in response to said input and indicating a parameter at said display of said patient support surface or said frame associated with driving said actuator.
 30. The patient support according to claim 29, wherein said actuator adjust the firmness of the patient support surface.
 31. The patient support according to claim 29, wherein said actuator generates vibration at the patient support surface to adjust the pressure points at the patient support surface.
 32. The patient support according to claim 29, wherein said actuator adjusts the angle the patient support surface.
 33. The patient support according to claim 32, wherein said frame includes a deck frame, said deck frame having a plurality of deck sections, said deck sections supporting said patient support surface, and wherein said actuator adjust the angle of at least one deck section to thereby adjust the angle of the patient support surface.
 34. The patient support according to claim 29, wherein said actuator adjusts the elevation of the frame.
 35. The patient support according to claim 29, wherein said display comprises a touch screen, said user interface comprises at least one sensitive area of said touch screen wherein said touch screen forms said user interface.
 36. The patient support according to claim 29, further comprising a frame, said frame supporting said patient support surface and a footboard, said display mounted in said footboard.
 37. A patient support comprising: a patient support surface; a controller; and a display mounted at said patient support, said controller in communication with said display, said display including at least one user interface in communication with said controller and operable to input an input signal into said controller, said controller translating or converting said input signal into an output signal having a different format from said input signal and communicating said output signal to said display, and said display displaying text or a numerical value at said display responsive to said output signal from said controller.
 38. The patient support according to claim 37, wherein said different format comprises a different language.
 39. The patient support according to claim 38, wherein said controller displays a plurality of selected phrases, said user interface operable to select one of said phrases as input to said controller, and said controller generating an output which is a translation of said phrase.
 40. The patient support according to claim 37, wherein said different format comprises a different scale.
 41. The patient support according to claim 40, wherein said controller includes stored therein a formula or a look-up table for converting said input into said output.
 42. The patient support according to claim 37, wherein said display comprises a touch screen.
 43. The patient support according to claim 42, wherein said user interface comprises at least one sensitive area of said touch screen wherein said touch screen forms said user interface.
 44. The patient support according to claim 43, wherein said touch screen includes a plurality of sensitive areas, said plurality of sensitive areas forming a menu of a plurality inputs to said controller.
 45. A patient support comprising: a patient support surface; a patient support-based controller mounted in said patient support, said controller having stored therein a plurality of options; a display mounted at said patient support, said controller in communication with said display and displaying said options at said display; and a user interface in communication with said controller, said user interface operable to select one of said options and being operable to select a parameter associated with a selected option.
 46. The patient support according to claim 45, wherein said display comprises a touch screen, said user interface comprises at least one sensitive area of said touch screen wherein said touch screen forms said user interface.
 47. The patient support according to claim 45, wherein said touch screen includes a plurality of sensitive areas, said plurality of sensitive areas forming a menu for said plurality of options.
 48. The patient support according to claim 45, further comprising a frame, said frame supporting said patient support surface and a footboard, said display mounted at said footboard.
 49. The patient support according to claim 48, wherein said controller is mounted at said footboard.
 50. The patient support according to claim 1, further comprising an input device for storing or creating additional prompts in said controller.
 51. The patient support according to claim 50, wherein said input device comprises a keyboard.
 52. The patient support according to claim 51, wherein said input device comprises a network connection or a portable storage device.
 53. The patient support according to claim 1, wherein said controller is configured for storing and collecting actual protocol data related to a protocol.
 54. The patient support according to claim 53, wherein said controller has reference protocol data stored therein, and said controller being configured to compare the collected actual protocol data to the reference protocol data stored therein to verify conformance.
 55. The patient support according to claim 53, wherein said controller is configured to generate a report based on the collected data.
 56. The patient support according to claim 55, wherein said controller is in communication with a remote device, said controller and said remote device being configured to allow a user to do at least one of the following: (1) remotely monitor the selected protocols; (2) to review the report generate by the controller; (3) generate a separate report based on the report generated by the controller or based on parameters selected by the user; (4) view the selected protocols for a given support surface; (5) select a protocol from the available protocols stored in the controller to be displayed at the patient support or at the remote device; or (6) input a new protocol to the controller.
 57. The patient support according to claim 18, further comprising an alarm, a timer, and a pre-selected time stored in said controller, said controller configured to trigger the alarm when the controller determines from the load cell signals and the timer that the person supported on the patient support surface has not moved over the pre-selected period of time.
 58. The patient support according to claim 12, wherein said sensors comprise a plurality of pressure sensors at said patient support surface.
 59. The patient support according to claim 58, wherein said controller uses signals from said pressure sensors to generate a pressure map having a plurality of pressure points at the patient surface.
 60. The patient support according to claim 59, wherein said controller is configured to monitor the pressure points on the map and when said controller detects that the pressure points have exceeded a pre-selected value stored in said controller, said controller is configured to trigger an alarm.
 61. The patient support according to claim 58, wherein said controller converts said pressure sensor signals into vital sign signals, and said controller monitoring said vital sign signals of a patient supported on the patient supports surface.
 62. The patient support according to claim 38, wherein said different format comprises multiple languages, and when a user selects a selected language from the multiple languages and a selected phrase from the stored phrase phrases, said controller generating an output which is a translation of said selected phrase in the selected language.
 63. The patient support according to claim 38, wherein said controller has stored therein a collection of words so that the user may select words to construct a constructed phrase or sentence, said constructed phrase or sentence being translated by the controller into the selected language.
 64. A patient support comprising: a patient support surface; a controller; a display mounted at said patient support, said controller in communication with said display, said display including at least one user interface in communication with said controller; a speaker in communication with said controller, said controller actuating said speaker to generate a sound based on input at said user interface.
 65. The patient support according to claim 64, further comprising recorded phrases stored on said controller, said user interface operable to select a recorded phrase, and when a user selects a recorded phrase said controller configured to play said recorded phrase through said speaker.
 66. The patient support according to claim 64, further comprising a microphone in communication with said controller, said controller further including voice recognition software wherein sounds input at said microphone may be converted into text, said text being stored in said controller.
 67. The patient support according to claim 64, wherein said controller displays said text at said display or another display at said patient support.
 68. The patient support according to claim 45, wherein said user interface is operable to input bed usage information to the controller, said information including at least one of the following: (1) a room assignment for the bed; (2) patient related data; or (3) nurse related information.
 69. The patient support according to claim 45, wherein the user interface comprises a voice recognition system, said voice recognition system being in communication with the controller and may be used to input data into the controller.
 70. A patient support comprising: a patient support surface, said patient support including a mattress with a plurality of bladders; a mattress-based controller associated with said patient support for controlling a parameter of one or more of said bladders; a patient support-based controller in communication with said mattress-based controller, said patient support-based controller mounted at said patient support; a display mounted at said patient support, said controller in communication with said display; and a user interface in communication with said controller, said user interface operable to select said parameter for display at said display and for controlling said parameter, and when selected said controller in communication with said mattress-based controller and generating input signals to mattress-based controller said a display at said display associated with said parameter.
 71. The patient support according to claim 70, wherein said parameter comprises the inflation status of one or more of said bladders.
 72. The patient support according to claim 70, wherein said display comprises a touch screen.
 73. The patient support according to claim 72 wherein said patient support-based controller generates a screen image at said touch screen, said screen image including a region forming said user interface.
 74. The patient support according to claim 73, wherein said bladders are arranged in groups, said mattress-based controller controlling a parameter of each group of said bladders.
 75. The patient support according to claim 73, wherein said controller generates a second screen image at said touch screen, said second screen image having a plurality of regions, said regions of said second screen image providing a menu of options relative to said parameter. 